This part fell out from under the driver side dashboard today and landed on the floor mat by the pedals. I did not notice it yesterday.

A quick look without a flashlight did not show anything out of place, but I haven't looked more closely.

Before I take out the driver seat to really get a good look under there (and to check under the seat to see if its part of the seat itself), does anybody recognize this part or is it perhaps just random junk?

Thanks.

 

I recall seeing that before... I'm thinking it is a shim for the steering wheel up / down motor. I also recall that there was a thread on this forum, where many people removed the shim with no ill effects.
I had an occasional up / down sticking issue with the steering wheel. I simply filled that gearbox with vaseline and it has worked flawless for over a year without sticking one time. Hope that helps.

 

Thanks, that helps. In fact that could very well be the answer since I had a tire mechanic sit in the car yesterday and he moved the steering adjustment (I never touch it). When I got my car back that's when I noticed the part. The previous owner had some work done to the steering adjustment mechanism so I may need to give that area a look once more. You just saved me some figuring - much appreciated!

 

Agree, it is indeed that shim and mine has not been installed for over 2 years without issue.

 

Dealer replaced up/down motor in '06. Worked on motor '09 and noticed shim was not installed. Replaced motor 2011 without shim everything O.K. I think most of the up/down problems are in the poteneometer not the motor. Jack

 

What's that shim supposed to do, anyway? Seems like a lot of people live without it.